Agritourism and Rural Development: A Global Bibliometric Analysis of the State of Research, Limitations, and Future Directions

Agritourism has emerged as a strategic tool for fostering sustainable rural development by diversifying farm income, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting environmental stewardship. This study presents a global bibliometric analysis of research on agritourism and rural development, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the field, identify key trends, and highlight future research directions. Utilizing the Web of Science database, 171 relevant publications from 2004 to 2024 were analyzed through bibliometric techniques, focusing on publication trends, keyword co-occurrence, and co-citation analysis. Findings indicate a growing academic interest in agritourism, with sustainability as a dominant theme. The study identifies five thematic clusters: economic contributions, policy frameworks, tourist motivations, environmental sustainability, and agritourism’s broader role in landscape conservation. Co-citation analysis highlights the intellectual evolution from foundational perspectives on rural tourism to complex discussions on sustainability and innovation. Despite these advancements, knowledge gaps persist, particularly in geographic representation, digital innovation, climate change mitigation, and policy governance. Addressing these gaps will enhance academic discourse and provide practical insights for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and rural communities. This study serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to navigate the expanding literature on agritourism and rural development.